FLASHY WEB SITE DESIGNS ARE BAD FOR BUSINESS

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Have you heard yourself saying, "I don't understand? I havea gorgeous site, a really cutting-edge splash page with aflash introduction, up-to-date technology, I paid a smallfortune for this site, and ...
Have you heard yourself saying, "I don't understand? I havea gorgeous site, a really cutting-edge splash page with aflash introduction, up-to-date technology, I paid a smallfortune for this site, and I'm getting plenty of hits butno one is buying or staying in the site." Well, you may be one of a growing number of businesses,both large and small, who believed all the hype about thelatest in new technology. Many business owners want theirwebsite to have that cutting-edge look, and so will ask forthings such as animation, music, flash, and other "bellsand whistles" that would be detrimental to their site.These extras are probably driving potential customers awaybecause they increase download time and are not searchengine optimized.
In the rush to join everyone else on the Internet,businesses have ignored vital steps in the process ofgetting their business on-line. They assumed that becauseeveryone else had gimmicks such as a splash/intro page,this was the right way to go.
The result: businesses chosedesign companies who readily took their money and whodesigned exactly what the client wanted without clearlyfocusing on marketing goals. To be fair, oftentimes thegraphic design company has no idea that a site designedwith all the latest technology doesn't necessary translateinto a site that has the functionality that an on-linebusiness needs.
This is because the graphic design firmsspecialize in graphic design, not in marketing. Manygraphic design sites are full of splash pages, scrollingtext, animation, etc.
They use these tools because itallows the graphic designers to display their creativityand their knowledge of these "bells and whistles."Creativity is good but all the latest cutting-edgetechnology translates into a lack of functionality toeffectively market any on-line business including theiron-line presence. When having your site designed, remember that first andforemost, you are building your site to increase prospectsand sales.
Don't look for a graphic design firm thatbelieves all you need to do is get in the search enginesand place banners to be successful. Don't hire a designerthat is new to the Internet--meaning they have years ofprint design experience but have just decided to expandtheir horizons to the Internet.
Don't hire a graphicdesigner that doesn't have a professional copywriter ormarketing person on staff and don't hire a graphic designerjust because they are the cheapest. Remember, cheap cancost you money--you get what you pay for.
Hire amarketing/design firm that understands the differencebetween form and function and can apply it in a marketingperspective. Remember, many of these latest bells andwhistles are very expensive and your site may not need themto be effective.
Every single design element affects your web sitesfunctionality and marketability--from the decision about howthe navigation will work to choosing the right colors,fonts, graphics, content, HTML code, and more. These willnot only influence potential customers but search engineindexing as well.
If and when you’re ready to begin your on-line presence,start with a business plan and strategy. It is essential ifyou really want your business to succeed.
Don’t be afraidto research marketing trends and investigate a marketing/designfirm that will fit your needs. If you are currently on-line but your business is not progressingas you think it should, don’t be afraid to request a web siteanalysis.
There are firms that will analyze and help pinpointareas of your on-line presence that need improvement for a successful Internet presence.Last, but not least, keep an open mind to what the firm offersas suggestions for making your Internet experience a profitable one. Remember, this is their livelihood, this is what they do and they have the experience to back it up.Are you ready to be successful? Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .